NCC’s Talent Hunt Research through Hackathon showcases power of innovation for sustainable economic growth

Cynthia Ezekwe

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its dedication to innovation, new ideas, and positive change through the Talent Hunt Research through Hackathon, which resulted in three winners each receiving a prize of N10 million.

The hackathon received 81 entries, out of which 12 were shortlisted to participate in the tech innovation competition. Out of the 12 shortlisted entries, three emerged as winners from the three thematic categories: Blockchain Solution, Renewable Energy Solutions, and Assistive Technology Solutions.

In the Blockchain Solution category, Know-Now Limited won the N10 million prize. In the Renewable Energy Solutions category, Solaris GreenTech Hub won the same prize. In the Assistive Technology Solutions category, the Vouricas company won the prize. In the Assistive Technology Solutions category, Spex Care Limited was named the winner and received a prize of N10 million. The remaining nine innovators from the 12 finalists were awarded N500,000 each, along with a certificate of commendation for their participation in the commission’s annual event.

Ubale Maska, the executive commissioner for technical services at the NCC, stated in his keynote address at the hackathon held at the NCC head office in Abuja, that the primary objective of the hackathon is to foster the development of cutting-edge technologies through rigorous research. He emphasised that this will catalyse sustainable economic growth and overall development in Nigeria.

According to Maska, the hackathon is paramount  as it aligns with one of the core objectives embedded within the commission’s new Strategic Vision Plan (SVP) for the years 2023-2025.

Maska highlighted the NCC’s history of supporting hackathon competitions, each with a specific theme aimed at addressing major challenges within industries and society as a whole. He cited examples of past hackathons that led to the development of innovative solutions to address issues such as kidnapping and banditry, e-waste management, and COVID-19 mitigation strategies.

He explained that these hackathons are in line with the NCC’s mandate to promote sustainable economic growth through technology and innovation.

According to the NCC commissioner, this year’s event focuses on three thematic areas of Blockchain-enabled data protection solutions for enhancing regulatory compliance; assistive technology solutions for the elderly and people with disabilities, and technology solutions for renewable energy in rural areas.

“The culmination of this competition is not confined to the grand prize of Ten million naira awarded to each winner from these three thematic areas for the development of their solutions, but goes beyond this, as the Commission takes a holistic approach to support these promising innovations. We closely monitor the progress of these solutions as they

evolve into full-fledged prototypes,’’ he said.

Maska added that the hackathon will be preceded by an incubation and mentorship programme,

which will be designed to equip startups, innovators and tech entrepreneurs with the

necessary skills to refine their ideas.

He implored the stakeholders to work together, in embarking  on a journey of innovation and seek groundbreaking solutions and transformation that will reshape the  future for the better.

On his part,Ismail Adedigba, the acting director of the NCC’s research and development department, emphasised that the hackathon offers valuable opportunities to learn about new technologies and adapt to them. This, he argued, is essential for navigating the rapidly evolving technology landscape and overcoming current and future challenges in industry and society.

Adedigba also highlighted the critical role played by young innovators in identifying and addressing existing industrial challenges through technology-driven solutions that yield measurable social impact. He encouraged participants to use the hackathon as a platform to showcase their skills and contribute to the country’s development.

Adedigba noted that innovation in communication technologies has been the driving force behind the evolution of the telecommunications industry. He further noted that the vision for the hackathon is consistent with the Ministry of Communications, Digital Economy, and Innovation’s overall goal of accelerating the nation’s collective prosperity through technical efficiency.

He reiterated the NCC’s unwavering commitment to building and strengthening the bridge between tech hubs and the telecommunications industry.